Are there any hospitals in OKC that are paying new grads above 18-19 base pay?

Are there any hospitals in OKC that are paying new grads above 18-19 base pay? I really dont think the cost of living in OK is all that low compared to other places that are paying higher. Am I missing something?

It is all about supply and demand. The hospitals in the OKC metro area can pay whatever they want because there are many nurses in the city. There are many nurses in and around OKC because there are numerous nursing programs that pump new grads into the employment pipeline every few months.

There are nursing programs at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma City Community College, Rose State, Oklahoma City University, Southern Nazarene University, Oklahoma Christian University, University of Central Oklahoma, Redlands Community College, and Platt College. Sorry, but nursing wages are going to be depressed when you have all of these schools churning out new RNs into a limited job market in a mid-sized city.

In my opinion, the excessive number of nursing schools is a major culprit in the depressed wages. These schools are adding supply without an equal demand.

Jun 22, '10

If you can get into a specialty they pay more. A friend of mine went right into a surgery center as a new grad...worked M-F days and he made $26 an hr. I don't think he's a liar but it sounds like alot for a new grad based on my research. Dont know if this helps you but its all the info I have about anything other than 18-19/hr.

Are there any hospitals in OKC that are paying new grads above 18-19 base pay?

I should mention that all of the nursing homes in OKC are paying well above the $19 base pay, although many new grads are not to thrilled about the thought of starting their careers in this type of setting. I think that you could get about $24 hourly at a LTC facility.

Jun 22, '10

TheCommuter...to your knowledge do the LTC nurses also get shift diffs with that base pay? Just curious for future info!

TheCommuter...to your knowledge do the LTC nurses also get shift diffs with that base pay? Just curious for future info!

No, not usually.

Nursing homes are frequently known for higher base pay rates, no shift differential, and mediocre benefits. If you do find a LTC facility that is offering shift differential, it will notably be less than what nearby hospitals are offering.

I seriously doubt that unionization will ever be happening in the area. Oklahoma is one of the most vehemently anti-union states in the U.S.

Jun 22, '10

Actually, OKC hospitals pay pretty decent wages, I dont think you would have a hard time finding that as a base pay. JobsOK.com is a great place to start looking. I work in a town just outside of OKC, making pretty darn close to that base pay as an LPN in a clinic. The cost of living in oklahoma IS lower compared to a lot of places... my advice though, if possible, get a job in OKC and live in one of the smaller surrounding areas. The drive isnt that bad at all and cost of living is cheaper once you get out of "OKC" (which can include, midwest city, del city, moore...) Right downtown OKC is going to be more expensive.
And yes, every LTC and every hospital I know of around here pays a shift diff. and weekend diff.
But like I said, jobsOK.com is a wonderful starting place! Good luck!

Nursing homes are frequently known for higher base pay rates, no shift differential, and mediocre benefits. If you do find a LTC facility that is offering shift differential, it will notably be less than what nearby hospitals are offering.

This applies to facilities in the area where I live (Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Texas). It also applies to facilities in the OKC metro area. The area in which you live and work is probably different.

This applies to facilities in the area where I live (Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Texas). It also applies to facilities in the OKC metro area. The area in which you live and work is probably different.

Dallas/Ft. Worth is VERY different than OKC. Like I said I live and work right outside of OKC aka *OKC metro area*.
Just wondering, have you ever lived or worked in OKC?